CHORALE No.1

FOR SOLO 5 OCT. MARIMBA

Inevitability

This hymn is the first of what I hope to eventually be a larger collection of marimba chorales. I wrote this purely through improvisation at my keyboard on a random weekend, and an early morning in 2023. The piece captures a stillness that I felt that morning. Despite the minor key, this piece did not come out of sadness. This chorale is a reflection on the idea of inevitability. For the performer, I encourage you to interpret this idea of inevitability however you wish.

AGNOSTHESIA

FOR PERCUSSION QUINTET + ELECTRONICS

Originally envisioned as a solo work with electronic track, this percussion chamber piece orchestrates fascinating electronic timbres into marimbas, vibraphones, and multi-percussion parts. The composition is centered around an augmented chord which passes around the ensemble throughout. From The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, the word Agnosthesia is defined as “the state of not knowing how you really feel about something.”

Through the use of the augmented chord and a section of the piece which goes through several modulations within a short amount of time, one feels as through they’re searching for grounding.

MECHANISMS

FOR MULTI PERCUSSION SOLO + ELECTRONICS

This piece is an exploration in pulse through the emphasis of various tuplets and polyrhythms. The relationship between 4’s, 5’s and 6’s are fascinating — sometimes leading into one another like a fluid, other times being stacked in a more mechanical, calculated manner.

The electronic track features glass and metal sounds that were recorded live by the composer. The overall effect of the two parts combined is both intricate but also slightly haunting, emphasized by a recurring motive in the crotales.

Commissioned by Sam Sherer. 

ÆTHER 6

FOR PERCUSSION SEXTET

Written by Michael J. Calamas in 2021 for the University of South Carolina, and premiered at PASIC in Indianapolis on November 13th, 2021.

ÆTHER 6 consists of five major sections that can be characterized by their density. These layers may be the ascension and descension through the regions of space as it would have been perceived in ancient, medieval science practice.

Each layer has its own human energy. There are moments of great excitement and joy, moments of intensity and anger, of wonder, and sometimes of unresolved loneliness.

The textures and varying densities are beautifully orchestrated and vibrantly come to life in the hall.

NHIYR

FOR MARIMBA, VIBRAPHONE, AND ELECTRONIC TAPE

Written by Michael J. Calamas in 2019, this electro-acoustic keyboard duet is one of the first of its kind. The piece generates an atmosphere through the use of pulse and the combination of timbres that likens itself to the play of light rays. It is an illumination that mesmerizes and captivates audiences and performers alike.

NHIYR • Ensemble Edition

Originally written by Michael J. Calamas in 2019 for duo, Nhiyr was then expanded for a percussion ensemble + piano. 

EGO DEATH

FOR ALTO SAXOPHONE, STEEL PAN, AND ELECTRONIC TAPE

Written in 2021, Ego Death is a sonic representation of the U.S. Government Project MK Ultra. This top secret project lasted through the 1950's, 60's, and 70's under the CIA where hundreds of test subjects were given mind altering substances to research mind control and information gathering. 

Ego Death was premiered in March of 2021 by Andrew Hutchens and Daniel Myers.